Respiratory treatment delivery system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivery of oxygen or other treatment gases to a patient without requiring physical contact or enclosure of the patient. Embodiments can include a delivery hood, sensing components, and a gas distribution system including one or more gas delivery ports. Gas delivery ports may be individually controlled based on input from the sensing components to alter the volume and orientation of treatment gas flow directed at a patient. Sensing components can include cameras or other sensors that detect the position of a patient&#39;s head, and gas delivery ports may then be controlled to direct treatment gas flow in the direction of the patient&#39;s head. Embodiments and methods described thereby allow for efficient oxygen or other gas delivery to a patient without requiring contact or enclosure of the patient.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/240,036, “Overnight Pediatric Oxygen Delivery System,” filed Sep. 4,2009, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to medical care and, more particularly,to oxygen or other therapeutic gas delivery systems, and moreparticularly to overnight oxygen delivery systems for patients in thehome environment.

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease is a group of rare lung diseases in infantsand children. These diseases can cause progressive scarring of lungtissue over time, and can also reduce the capability and efficacy of thelungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Infants and children whosuffer blood oxygen levels outside of normal ranges due to these andother similar diseases are often affected with health complications suchas stunted growth and pulmonary hypertension. The medical needs ofinfants and children affected with these diseases vary with the severityof the disease, but in most cases infants and children benefit fromsystems that provide supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygenlevels. In particular, providing supplemental oxygen to patients whilesleeping has been discovered to improve hemoglobin oxygen saturationlevels.

Ideally, in cases where supplemental oxygen is beneficial to thepatient, systems and methods for delivering oxygen in a home environmentare desirable, so that the oxygen treatment can be applied on acontinuing basis and not require special visits to a medical facility.Methods of delivering oxygen in the home environment exist; the nasalcannula delivery system and the oxygen mask delivery system are bothknown in the industry. In addition, oxygen tents and oxygen hoods areknown in the industry, although their use is limited to primarilyhospital settings.

A typical nasal cannula system as found in the prior art consists oftubing with a specially formed end portion that inserts into a patient'snose. The end portion is typically secured by tape affixed to thepatient's skin. A cannula system is advantageous in that it can delivera precisely controlled amount of oxygen into a patient's lungs. However,when the patients are children or infants, tape burns on their skin canoccur as a result of affixing tape directly to the skin. Further, thenasal cannula is often uncomfortable for an infant or child to wear, andsuch a patient will often struggle and remove the cannula. To remedy theremoval problem, arm boards have often been used. Use of an arm boardconsists of tying the child's arms to a sturdy length of material so thearm is unable to bend at the elbow and thus the infant or child isthereby unable to detach the cannula.

A typical oxygen mask, as found in the prior art, consists of a bulkymask that a patient wears over his nose and mouth. This type of oxygendelivery system is also problematic, as the mask is prone to removalespecially when the patient is an infant or child. In addition, both thecannula and oxygen mask systems may require generous amounts of tubingand tape to adequately and reliably transport the oxygen from a storagesource to the patient's respiratory system. As a result, a patient caneasily become tangled in the tubing, which can cause injury or evendeath if the tubing is disconnected and the oxygen flow is interruptedor if the tubing accidentally strangles a patient who is an infant orsmall child.

Oxygen tents or oxygen hoods are also found in the prior art, and do notsuffer the identical disadvantages associated with mask and cannulasystems. In a tent or hood type of system, a patient is enclosed in astructure capable of holding in a supply of oxygen. Because the entireenvironment within the structure is oxygenated, there is no need fortubes or other attachment systems that directly contact the patient. Thelack of tubing and attachment systems is an advantage over mask andcannula systems; however, oxygen tents and oxygen hoods are oftenlimited to use in hospital environments, due to the fire and otherhazards associated with a structure filled with high concentrations ofoxygen. Oxygen tents and hoods also are also disadvantageous becausethey can suffer from humidity and carbon dioxide buildup, and cannotdeliver as precise a mixture of oxygen as a cannula system. Failure tocontrol the levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide around a patient canseverely damage a patient's lungs.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of gasdelivery ports designed and positioned to result in a therapeutic gasflow being directed towards a resting patient, and the gas deliveryports can be thereby used to deliver oxygen or other forms ofrespiratory treatment to the patient without any physical contact to thepatient.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, one or more gasdelivery ports can be controlled individually or in unison, and thevolume of flow or orientation of the gas ports can be altered oroptimized in response to input or feedback from one or more sensors thatdetect patient position, patient facial orientation, or otherenvironmental or patient conditions. Such a system can be used todeliver oxygen or other forms of respiratory treatment to a patientwithout any physical contact to the patient, while at the same timereducing the use and buildup of ambient gases by delivering gases onlywhere necessary.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a partial hooddesigned and positioned to surround a resting patient, in combinationwith one or more gas delivery ports. The partial hood, or delivery hood,can be used as a mount point for the gas delivery ports and also forvarious sensors. In addition, the partial hood can allow for a localincrease in the concentration of oxygen or other therapeutic gases, butwith reduced chances for the detrimental gas and humidity buildup issuesassociated with a full oxygen tent or hood. The partial hood can be madeadjustable, can be made of a breathable material, and thereby be used tocontrol the level of gases surrounding a patient. The partial hood mayalso be made partially collapsible or otherwise adjustable in size andshape in order to provide access to the patient, to further control thepositioning of the gas delivery ports around the patient, to fit ormount around a patient in a variety of applications or environments, orto be made more transportable. The partial hood can provide an isolatingor calming effect if the patient is a small child. The partial hood maybe decorative to further this effect.

Recent research reveals that many patients, for example children withinterstitial lung disease, may benefit from even very low levelincreases in ambient oxygen. The present invention represents a directapplication of this new research, and is a novel approach that is wellsuited to delivering low levels of oxygen treatment in a homeenvironment for small children and infants. Traditional oxygen therapyhas focused on delivering higher levels of oxygen, and has generallyutilized systems with patient contact or enclosure to optimally deliverthis higher level of oxygen. The present invention is a significantcontrast to such methods. It is discovered that low levels of oxygen canbe efficiently delivered without requiring direct contact to or fullenclosure of a patient. The present invention is an advantage overtraditional cannula and mask type systems in that direct attachment oftubing, masks, or ports to the patient is not required. The presentinvention is an advantage over traditional tent or hood type systems inthat it does not require an enclosure; therefore, humidity, carbondioxide, and oxygen build up problems associated with tent and hood typesystems can be substantially reduced.

Even though designed for use in a home environment to provide oxygen forinfants and children with interstitial lung disease, embodiments of thepresent invention are also useful by adults or useful in veterinarycare, are fully compatible with traditional oxygen treatment requiringhigh concentrations of oxygen, and are also readily adaptable for usewith other types of respiratory treatment or anesthesiology. Patientsinclude those seeking medical treatment, as well as those for which sucha system can provide comfort or other benefit. The term “patient” is notto be restricted to those under a physician's care, but is to be appliedto and is inclusive of persons not under a physician's care, includinganyone who may make use of an embodiment of a respiratory treatmentdelivery system of the invention. Further, the term “patient” caninclude an animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of both the prior art and variousembodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a respiratory treatment system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a respiratory treatment system with apartially collapsed covering according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a partial left side view of a partially retracted respiratorytreatment system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial left side view of a less partially retractedrespiratory treatment system according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a respiratory treatment systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a respiratory treatment system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a respiratory treatment system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 a is an exploded view of a respiratory treatment system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 b is a detailed perspective view of the integration center of arespiratory treatment system shown in FIG. 8 a according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a respiratory treatment system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 a is a block diagram of sensor and integration components of arespiratory treatment system utilizing one or more sensors according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 b is a block diagram of sensor and integration components of arespiratory treatment system utilizing a webcam according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 c is a block diagram of sensor and integration components of arespiratory treatment system utilizing a CMUcam according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 a is a back sectional view of a respiratory treatment systemwith a patient facing upward according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 b is a back sectional view of a respiratory treatment systemwith a patient facing leftward according to an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 11 c is a back sectional view of a respiratory treatment systemwith a patient facing rightward according to an embodiment of theinvention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings andwill be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that theintention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodimentsdescribed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one embodiment of arespiratory treatment system 100 according to the present invention.This embodiment comprises three main components: a base support member114, an optional hood 102, and an integration center 104. Theintegration center 104 further comprises a gas distribution system 106,with one or more gas inlet ports 137 and one or more gas delivery ports134. The gas delivery ports 134 disperse oxygen or other therapeuticgases out of the concave side, or inside, of the respiratory treatmentsystem 100. General operation of the respiratory treatment system 100 inFIG. 1 is to provide respiratory treatment to a patient resting underthe concave side of the apparatus by delivering therapeutic gases,particularly oxygen from an oxygen source or oxygen concentrator, intothe gas inlet ports 137, and then directing that gas towards the patientthrough the gas distribution system 106 and gas delivery ports 134. Thegas flow and direction can be controlled using input or feedback fromthe sensors 126 mounted within the integration center 104 as shown inFIGS. 6 though 9, or optionally from sensors external to the embodimentshown. Operation of the gas delivery ports 134 or other system elementscan be indicated by LEDs or other indicators 123. This embodiment asdescribed allows for the delivery of oxygen or other therapeutic gasesto a patient without the necessity of physically contacting the patient,and without placing the patient in a fully enclosed environment. Theoptional hood 102 in FIG. 1 can be used to both increase gas saturationlevels around the patient, as well as dissipate any unwanted or overlyconcentrated gases or vapors at the same time.

The respiratory treatment system 100 in FIG. 1 can be made adjustable tocover more or less of a resting patient. FIG. 1 shows a pair of joints115 which connect the base support member 114 to the integration center104. These joints can be constructed to be moveable, and allow the basesupport member 114 and integration center 104 to pivot about the joint115. By pivoting the integration center 104 about a moveable joint 115,the plane 131 can be altered or retracted as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thepartial enclosure formed as described is characterized by the enclosureformed by the hood 102 as well as other components of the entirerespiratory system 100, with an open plane 131 intersecting thestructure at an opening angle 132. The opening angle is 180 degrees whenthe respiratory treatment system 100 is fully open or retracted, 90degrees when the respiratory treatment system 100 is halfway closedgenerally as shown in FIGS. 1, and 0 degrees when the respiratorytreatment system is fully closed or extended or un-retracted. In theembodiment shown a fully open system at 180 degrees allows for theintegration center 104 to be collapsed and nestled inside the basemember 114.

The pivoting movement about the joints 115 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 canbe used in a more retracted or open position to either provide access tothe patient, or to reduce the level of gas buildup surrounding thepatient, or optimally position any gas delivery ports 134 or sensorslocated in the integration center 104 or hood 102 above the patient.Alternatively, FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the respiratorytreatment system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in a more closed or moreun-retracted position. By pivoting the integration center 104 about amoveable joint 115 as shown, the plane 131 can be altered to cover moreof the patient. This larger coverage can be used to isolate the patient,increase the local level of oxygen or other therapeutic gases around thepatient, or optimally position any sensors or gas delivery ports 134contained within the integration center 104 or hood 102 above thepatient.

The joints 115 from FIG. 1 are also shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, which are afront perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively, of theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 9, the joints 115 are shownwith a single joint fastener 113 passing through each joint aperture 112thereby connecting the base support member 114 to the integration center104, the integration center 104 generally comprising a distributionmanifold 133 and a top structural member 108. If a single joint fastener113 is utilized in each joint 115, then the joint 115 can be readilymade movable, with the base support member 114 and integration center104 pivoting about the joint using the fastener as an axle to supportthe movement. Not shown in FIG. 9, the joints 115 could also comprise afastener free detent and indentation type of joint, or comprise anotherform of hinge instead of a fastener, or any number of means known in theart for making pivoting or hinged joints, and still perform the samepivoting function. The pivoting mechanism can be enhanced by adding ameans of holding the plane 131 stable after adjustment. For example,some friction, ratcheting mechanism, or series of bumps and detents canbe added in between the surfaces where base support member 114 and theintegration center 104 come in contact with one another. Many othermeans are known in the art for arresting the movement of such a joint;for example pistons, tie downs, stop blocks. These can otherwise beadded or utilized in the joint 115.

In the alternative, the joint 115 of FIG. 1 can be made rigid by using asingle or multiple fasteners, or a series of detents, or a tongue andgroove or other fittings known in the art, or could be made from asingle continuous piece of material partially or wholly forming both thebase support member 114 and the integration center 104. In the casewhere the joints 115 are not moveable or the hood 102 is not flexible,one embodiment would comprise a system where sensors or gas deliveryports 134 would be stationary, while still other embodiments couldcomprise a system where the sensors or gas delivery ports 134 could bemoveable, adjustable to point in a different direction depending on thelocation of a patient, or located elsewhere around the patient.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a, and 9 are exploded views of the respiratory treatmentsystem 100 depicted in FIG. 1. As again shown in these Figures, a basesupport member 114 is connected to an integration center 104 by the pairof joints 115. An optional hood 102 can be positioned in between orintegrated with the base support member 114 and integration center 104to create a partially enclosed space on the concave side of therespiratory treatment system 100. This enclosed space can then bepositioned over a patient. In some embodiments, a hood is not necessaryif the gas delivery ports 134 are designed to provide sufficient gasdelivery to reach a patient's nose and mouth without the need for a hoodto assist in increasing the level of gas concentration. In embodimentswhere a hood is utilized, the hood 102 can be made from a coveringmember 110 comprising a material such as cloth, plastic, or otherpreferably flexible material; and an optional support member 111. If thehood material in covering member 110 is flexible, it will allow for theexpansion or reduction of the enclosed space as the integration center104 is pivoted about the joint 115, if the joint 115 is constructed tobe moveable. To help control the gas concentration under the hood 102, aflexible covering member 110 may be made of either a gas impermeablematerial, for example, plastic or vinyl film, to help hold gases near apatient, or be made of a gas permeable membrane or fabric, for example,cotton, linen or nylon, to help disperse gases under the hood.

The covering member 110 can be clear or transparent to allow visibility,or the covering member 110 may also be opaque or partially opaque toprovide a potentially isolating and calming effect to the patient, orthe covering member may be a combination thereof. The covering membermay also be decorative in its printed design or in its shape to helpprovide a calming effect on the patient, especially a small child. As anexample, for children, a toy-like or animal shape or print may beappropriate. There are many alternative constructions for the coveringmember 110 and support member 111 that will be readily apparent to oneskilled in the art. The hood is designed to allow for sufficientsaturation of oxygen or other therapeutic gases when required by theapplication or particular usage, and also allow for dissipation of gasesor vapors when required by the application or particular usage.

The covering member 110 can also comprise a partially or completelyrigid shell, in which case a suitable material for the rigid portionwould include a hard plastic or similar material. For a rigid shell, thecovering member 110 can be made permeable by adding vents or vent holesinto the shell, or be constructed with a partially permeable material,or be made part flexible and part rigid, with the flexible portionadjustable to control the buildup of gases.

For flexible covering members 110, the support member 111 is preferablyconstructed of a flexible metallic wire or plastic. Alternatively, thesupport member 111 can comprise a series of rigid supports approximatingthe shape of the base support member 114 or integration center 104, soas to facilitate folding or retraction of the hood 102 while maintaininga consistent shape to the overall respiratory treatment system 100. Inaddition, the support member 111 can be constructed to help define adecorative shape to the hood 102. Further, the support member 111 may beadapted to serve as a mount point for additional sensors 126 or gasdelivery ports 134.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment with a base support member 114, a pair ofjoint apertures 112, and a pair of joint fasteners 113 which can be usedto connect the base support member 114 to the integration center 104. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base support member 114 comprises anarc, although other shapes, for example, rectangular, circular, oval, oryet other shapes are contemplated. Also in the embodiment shown, theintegration center 104 is designed to be the same general shape as thebase member 114, whereby if used in conjunction with a moveable joint115, the base support member 114 and integration center 104 can befolded together for easy transport or storage. In other embodiments, theintegration center 104 would not have to be a similar shape as the basesupport member 114, however in some cases this could impede the abilityof the apparatus to fold compactly.

In other embodiments, the base support member 114 further comprises aset of clamps or ties that allow the base member to be attached to acrib, bed, or other structure. In still other embodiments, the basesupport member 114 further comprises legs that can extend to a floor,table, or other supportive structure, thereby allowing the apparatus tobe positioned over, for example, a crib or bed. The legs, or the legsconnection to the base member, can be constructed to further allow thebase support member 114 to be raised and lowered over a patient using,for example, a plug and hole type of system, a ratchet type system, or afriction type adjustment system. In still other embodiments not shown,the base support member 114 can further comprise clamps or slots toallow attachment of the respiratory treatment system 100 to a wall,headboard, or other planar surface. In still other embodiments notshown, the base support member 114 can be mounted so as to swivel aroundor over a patient in order to allow easier access to the patient, or inorder to optimally position the entire respiratory treatment system 100over the patient.

The integration center 104 as depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1is also further illustrated by the exploded views of FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a,and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the integration center 104includes a distribution manifold 133, housing one or more gas deliveryports 134. The gas delivery ports 134 can be mounted on the distributionmanifold 133 in an optional recessed distribution channel 136, and passgases from the convex (top) to the concave (bottom) side of thedistribution manifold 133 as shown in detailed FIG. 8 b. The gasdelivery ports 134 can be operated in unison, or individuallycontrolled. One or more control units 122 as shown in FIGS. 8 a and 9,which control the operation of one or more of the gas delivery ports134, can also be mounted within the integration center 104. In somecases, a gas delivery port and control unit will comprise a singleintegrated unit. The control units 122 can comprise a transducer orvalve that controls gas delivery in response to an external electrical,pneumatic, hydraulic, or other signal; or in addition the control units122 can further comprise an electronic control unit, for example, amicrocontroller that directly controls the gas delivery by use of aninternal signal. Gas delivery can be controlled by a preset algorithm,or it can be controlled in response to one or more sensors 126.Integrated sensors 126 can be mounted directly to the integration center104, or can be mounted elsewhere including around or underneath apatient, in direct connection with a patient, or inside the optionalhood 102 or base support member 114. The sensors 126 can sendinformation directly to a controller 122 or to a gas delivery port 134.In addition, the sensors 126 can send information to an external controlor monitor device, for example, an electronic computer, alarm, or LCDdisplay. Many sensor types can be effectively utilized in this kind ofsystem, including gas sensors, thermal sensors, acoustic sensors, pulseoximeters, visible spectrum cameras, infra-red cameras, sonar frequencysensors, color-to-frequency sensors, pressure and moisture sensors,blood monitoring systems, or any sensor that suitably detectsenvironmental or patient conditions.

As shown in FIG. 7, a gas distribution tubing 135, comprising one ormore tubes, can be used to route oxygen or other therapeutic gases fromone or more gas inlet ports 137 to the gas delivery ports 134. Theoptional recessed distribution channel 136 as shown in FIG. 8 b can alsobe structured to distribute gases to the gas delivery ports 134 withoutthe necessity of delivery tubing 135. The gas inlet ports 137 can bemounted in any position along the integration center and can operativelyattach to one or more tubes or channels to facilitate gas distribution.

A top structural member 108 shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a, and 9 can be usedto protect and enclose the components of the integration center 104 viamounting on top of the gas distribution manifold 133.

An optional recessed band 117 allows room for the top structural member108 to mount onto the distribution manifold 133, and also optionallycarry therapeutic gases within the cavity formed between the topstructural member 108 and the distribution manifold 133 by the recessedband 117 or recessed distribution channel 136. Apertures 119 can beadded to the top structural member 108 in order to allow access to anygas inlet ports 137, and joint apertures 112 can be added where requiredto allow a fastener to pass through the joint 115.

While the integration center 104 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1through 9 has a generally concave band-like shape, the particularembodiments shown are not intended to be limiting. Such an integrationcenter 104 could comprise any number of cross sectional shapes,including rectangular, circular, or other shape suitable for positioningone or more gas delivery ports and optionally one or more sensors abovea patient. The integration center 104 does not require a top structuralmember 108, and the sensors 126 and gas ports 134 can be mounted oneither the concave or convex side of the distribution manifold 133. Inaddition, the integration center 104 and overall shape of therespiratory system 100 as shown is nominally a quarter sphere or arc.However, any number of overall shapes are suitable, includingrectangular, conical, or even decorative shapes. The sensors 126 and gasdistribution ports 134 are not required to be mounted within anyintegration center. In some embodiments, gas distribution ports 134 orsensors 126 may be mounted within the hood 102 or within the basesupport member 114, or elsewhere around a potential patient, and anexplicit structure for the integration center 104 may not be necessaryor the integration center may serve as solely as a top member providingstructural support. The integration center is also not limited to an arcor other shape in a single plane, but may also incorporate other curves,branches, or appendages in any direction to enable optimization of thelocation of the gas distribution ports 134 and sensors 126 around aparticular type of patient, or to better serve in a particular type ofapplication. To this end, a shape is provided consistent with enablingthe adequate capture of oxygen or other gases in systems where a hood102 is required for such a purpose, and to provide for suitableproximity of the gas ports to the patient when required.

The detailed operation of one embodiment of the invention similar instructure to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 is shown in backcross sections in FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c. The embodiment of FIGS. 11a-11 c, which can be used with or without a partial hood, deliverstherapeutic gases to a patient by favorably diverting gas flow to one ormore gas distribution ports 134. FIG. 11 a shows a cross section of apatient lying down and facing directly upwards. In FIG. 11 a, apositional or other sensor is used to deduce the direction of thepatient's face and the system favorably diverts gas flow to a centrallylocated gas delivery port or ports 134 above or directed towards thepatient's upwardly facing nose and mouth. In FIG. 11 b and 11 c, asimilar cross section shows gas favorably diverted to gas delivery ports134 located to or directed at the patient's left and right when thesystem deduces that the patient is no longer facing directly upward.

In one embodiment not shown directly by FIGS. 11 a-11 c, a system ofthree gas delivery ports 134 with placement similar to FIGS. 11 a-11 cis described. If a patient's head is detected as facing or positionedstraight up, only the centermost gas delivery port is turned on orenabled, with both remaining side gas delivery ports remaining closed orrestricted. If a patient's head is later detected as facing orpositioned to the left, the center and rightmost gas delivery ports willbe closed or restricted, and the leftmost gas delivery port will beopened or enabled. Similarly, if the patient's head is detected asfacing or positioned to the right, the center and leftmost gas deliveryports will be closed or restricted, and the rightmost gas delivery portwill be opened or enabled. If the patient's head is detected as facingor positioned, for example, forty-five degrees left, both the center andleftmost gas delivery ports will be opened or enabled, while therightmost gas delivery port will be closed or restricted. Likewise, if apatient's head is later detected as facing or positioned forty-fivedegrees right, both the center and rightmost gas delivery ports will beopened or enabled, while the leftmost gas delivery port will be closedor restricted.

In another embodiment not shown directly by FIGS. 11 a-11 c, a systemwith five gas delivery ports 134 is described, wherein the leftmost,top, and rightmost gas delivery ports are similarly positioned as thegas delivery ports 134 in FIGS. 11 a-11 c; and a left intermediate gasdelivery port is added and placed between the center and leftmost gasdelivery ports 134 of FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c; and a rightintermediate gas delivery port is added and placed between the centerand rightmost gas delivery ports 134 of FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c. Thegas delivery ports in the described arrangement may be opened or enabledin groups of one or more while the others are closed or restricted inresponse to detection of a patient's facial position. For example, inone embodiment, if a patient's head is detected as facing or positionedstraight up, the center, left intermediate, and right intermediate gasdelivery ports are opened or enabled, while the leftmost and rightmostgas delivery ports are closed or restricted, thereby directing oxygenmost efficiently toward the upward facing patient. If the patient's headis later detected as facing or positioned to the left, the center, leftintermediate, and leftmost gas delivery ports are opened or enabled,while the right intermediate and rightmost gas delivery ports are closedor restricted, thereby directing oxygen most efficiently toward theleftward facing patient. Similarly, if the patient's head is detected asfacing or positioned to the right, the center, right intermediate, andrightmost gas delivery ports are opened or enabled, while the leftintermediate and leftmost gas delivery ports are closed or restricted,thereby directing oxygen most efficiently toward the rightward facingpatient.

In another embodiment not shown directly by FIGS. 11 a-11 c, if apatient's head is detected as facing or positioned straight up, thecenter gas delivery port is opened or enabled, while all other gas portsare closed or restricted, thereby directing oxygen efficiently towardthe patient. If the patient's head is later detected as facing orpositioned approximately 45 degrees to the left, the left intermediategas delivery port is opened or enabled, while all other ports are closedor restricted, thereby directing oxygen efficiently toward the patient.If the patient's head is later detected as facing or positionedapproximately 90 degrees to the left, the leftmost gas delivery port isopened or enabled, while all other ports are closed or restricted,thereby directing oxygen efficiently toward the patient. In thisembodiment, the function of the system to a right facing patient wouldbe symmetric to its function in response to a left facing patient.

In another embodiment not shown directly by FIGS. 11 a-11 c, if apatient's head is detected as facing or positioned straight up, thecenter gas delivery port is opened or enabled, while all other gas portsare closed or restricted, thereby directing oxygen efficiently towardthe patient. If the patient's head is later detected as facing orpositioned approximately zero to forty-five degrees to the left, thecenter and left intermediate gas delivery ports are opened or enabled,while all other ports are closed or restricted, thereby directing oxygenefficiently toward the patient. If the patient's head is later detectedas facing or positioned approximately forty-five to ninety degrees tothe left, the leftmost and left intermediate gas delivery ports areopened or enabled, while all other ports are closed or restricted,thereby directing oxygen efficiently toward the patient. In thisembodiment, the function of the system to a right facing patient wouldbe symmetric to its function in response to a left facing patient.

The absolute location of a patient's head can also be used, in additionto the direction the patient is facing, to determine which gas deliveryports should be opened. In another embodiment not shown directly byFIGS. 11 a-11 c, if a patient's head is detected as positioned in thecenter of a system, the center gas delivery port is opened or enabled,while all other gas ports are closed or restricted, thereby directingoxygen efficiently toward the patient. If the patient's head is laterdetected as in between the center and left intermediate gas deliveryports, the center and left intermediate gas delivery ports are opened orenabled, while all other ports are closed or restricted, therebydirecting oxygen efficiently toward the patient. If the patient's headis later detected as being positioned in between the leftmost and leftintermediate gas delivery ports, then the leftmost and left intermediategas delivery ports are opened or enabled, while all other ports areclosed or restricted, thereby directing oxygen efficiently toward thepatient. In this embodiment, the function of the system to a rightfacing patient would be symmetric to its function in response to a leftfacing patient.

The embodiments described here are for illustration only and in no waylimit the degree of angle or patient head placement or method of facedetection or head detection, or number of gas delivery ports within asystem or sequence of gas delivery port openings. The system isinfinitely scalable in the degree to which head detection can bemeasured, in the quantity and placement of gas delivery ports, and inthe progression in which the gas delivery ports can be opened or closedor enabled or restricted. Moveable or directable gas distribution portscould also be utilized to perform the same function as the gas deliveryports 134 shown in FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c, wherein the angle ordirection in which the gas distribution port directs gas flow can bealtered depending on the position or orientation of the patient. The gasdelivery ports 134 can direct gas flow towards a patient by eitherdirecting a stream of gas at the patient, or by releasing a diffusedistribution of gas from gas ports that are favorably positionedrelative to the patient's position or orientation. The gas deliveryports 134 are also not required to be mounted in a single twodimensional cross section as shown in FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c.Instead, in some embodiments a three dimensional array of gasdistribution ports, or a moveable two dimensional array of ports can beused to deliver therapeutic gases in the event that a patient's entirehead changes position during rest. Projecting oxygen or othertherapeutic gases in the embodiments described is efficient andeffective. It conserves oxygen or other therapeutic gases or vapors byclosing or restricting unneeded gas delivery ports and, at the sametime, allows oxygen or other therapeutic gases to be precisely andintimately distributed via the opening of gas delivery ports closest tothe patient.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are block diagrams that further describe potentialembodiments of the invention. FIG. 10 a depicts the most general purposesensor and other components which may be included in some embodiments.Referring to the individual elements shown in the block diagram of FIG.10 a, system components generally comprise carbon dioxide sensor orsensors 218 to measure the amount of carbon dioxide surrounding apatient; oxygen or other gas sensor or sensors 220 to measure the amountof oxygen or other therapeutic gases surrounding the patient; positionor position sensors 227 to measure the position, orientation, ordirection of the patient; power supply or supplies 224 to provide powerto various components; controller or controllers 229 to process inputsand provide outputs to the system; LCD or other suitable displays 228 toprovide status or updates to the user including current oxygensaturation, carbon dioxide, and other readings; one or more LEDs orother indicators 223 to show function of gas delivery ports and othercomponents; alarm 232 for providing warning in case of a failure ordangerous state; and a gas distribution system 206. Optionally, sensorand integration components may contain a pulse oximeter 216 to measureoxygen saturation in the patient. According to some embodiments, pulseoximeter 216 may be incorporated into a closed-loop control system tocontrol the function of the entire system including ambient oxygen orother therapeutic gas concentrations delivered or surrounding a patient.

More specifically, the controller or controllers 229 in FIG. 10 a mayinclude microcomputers or personal computers, microcontrollers, or otherdedicated electronic circuitry suited to measure, respond, or control asystem as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10 a. The position sensors227 in FIG. 10 a can include pressure sensors mounted underneath apatient, oxygen or carbon dioxide sensors, thermal or infra-red sensors,sonar or acoustic sensors, webcams, video cameras, digital cameras,color to frequency detectors, or any other means of detecting theposition or facial direction of a patient. Position sensors can alsoinclude a CMUcam, a low-cost computer vision device originally made byCarnegie Mellon University. Suitable displays 228 include LCD, LED, CRT,dot matrix, or other electronic means of displaying alphanumericcharacters, or graphical indicators. The LCD or other suitable display228 can be used to show current oxygen prevalence, oxygen saturation ofthe patient, current carbon dioxide measurements, and any other usefulmeasurements taken by various sensors. The LCD or other suitable display228 may also be utilized for a user interface to provide controls of thesystem by integrating a touchscreen, buttons, keypad, keyboard, or thelike. In conjunction with a display or displays, LEDs, light bulbs, orother similar indicators may be used to indicate the state of varioussensors or other system components. The gas distribution system 206 maycomprise an oxygen source or oxygen concentrator, other therapeutic gassources, a humidity control system, a temperature control system, tubingor channels or other mechanisms for distributing gases, and one or morenozzles, ports, diffusers, or other mechanisms for delivering gas flowto a patient.

As depicted by FIG. 10 a, in some embodiments the pulse oximeter 216,carbon dioxide sensors 218, oxygen or gas sensors 220, and positionsensors 227 provide inputs or feedback to one or more controllers 229.The controller or controllers 229 may use the inputs or feedback toappropriately output information to one or more LCD or other suitabledisplays 228, to control LEDs 223, to control gas flow or direction inthe gas distribution system 206, and also trigger any alarm 232. Whenusing electrical power, such a system may benefit from utilizing abattery backup. The objective of the embodiment shown in the blockdiagram of FIG. 10 a is to efficiently and safely control oxygen orother respiratory treatment to a patient.

FIG. 10 b shows a particularized variation of FIG. 10 a, wherein awebcam 202 is used in conjunction with controller 204 to measure theposition or orientation of the patient, control various LCD or othersuitable displays 228, control the gas distribution system 206, andtrigger any alarm 232. FIG. 10 c shows another particularized variationof FIG. 10 a, wherein a CMUcam 203, a low-cost computer vision deviceoriginally made by Carnegie Mellon University, is used to measure theposition or orientation of the patient, control various LCD or othersuitable displays 228, control the gas distribution system 206, andtrigger any alarm 232. In the block diagrams 10 a-10 c, one particularway that a camera can be used is to detect the position, angle,direction, or orientation of the eyes, nose, or mouth. Based on thisinformation, the system can be directed to deliver respiratory treatmentto the patient as depicted in FIGS. 11 a-11 c. In addition, the cameracan be used to detect the movement of the patient from underneath thesystem or detect the movement of the patient into an otherwise unsafeposition or condition, and send a signal to an alarm 232.

In yet another embodiment not shown specifically in FIG. 10 a, apressure sensitive pad is placed in a position known to the system inrelation to the oxygen distribution system. Pressure applied by thepatient's body activates sensors inside the pad, and the sensors provideinput to a controller or controllers 229 in a system as shown in FIG. 10a. For example, the pressure sensitive pad can be used to detect theposition of a patient. Based on this information, the system can bedirected to deliver respiratory treatment to the patient as depicted inFIGS. 11 a-11 c. In addition, the pressure sensitive pad can be used todetect the movement of the patient from underneath the system or detectthe movement of the patient into an otherwise unsafe position orcondition, and send a signal to an alarm 232.

Thus, referring to FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c generally, positionsensors 227, webcam 202, or CMUcam 203, process sensory inputs usingthermal, visual, pressure, proximity, or other means, to detect theposition, orientation, direction of a patient's head. This measurementmay be done by targeting physical features of the patient, like thehead, nose, mouth, or eyes; but also by determining the angle of thepatient's face, or by any other suitable means. Accordingly, the facingor positioning measuring mechanism may consist of a positioning sensor227, webcam 202, CMUcam 203, traditional camera, thermal imaging camera,sonar frequency sensor, color-to-frequency sensing detector, pressuresensitive pad, thermal sensors, or any other suitable detection means.In an embodiment, the facing or positioning measuring mechanisms maygenerally be placed at top center of an integration center 104 as shownin FIGS. 1-9, or on the hood of a system such as shown in FIGS. 1-9where no specific embodiment of an integration center exists. In otherembodiments, facing or position measuring mechanisms may be placed atpositions along a structure such as top structural member 108 of FIGS.1-9, or base support member 114 as shown in FIGS. 1-9. Further, in stillother embodiments, facing or positioning measuring mechanisms may beembedded within any portion of an optional hood 102 as shown in FIGS.1-9, or extend outward beyond the plane 131 of hood 102.

Patient facing or positioning monitoring is useful not only indetermining the location of the patient's head for efficient oxygendelivery or delivery of other therapeutic gases, but can also be used tosignal to the patient's guardians, caregivers, or other overseers, ifthe patient has moved outside of hood 102 or gas distribution system 106as shown in FIGS. 1-9. Indicators can include an LCD or other suitabledisplay 228 as shown in FIGS. 10 a-c, or an alarm 232 as shown in FIGS.10 a-c, or a remote monitoring subsystem which may be wireless. Thesignal used to alert a guardian, caregiver, or other overseer, can besome sensory signal, for example, an audible, visual, physical, or thelike, or some combination thereof.

In some embodiments, referring generally to FIGS. 10 a-10 c, additionaldeterminations including oxygen saturation or oxygen prevalence measuredvia pulse oximeter 216 are made and factored into system behavior. Forexample, if pulse oximeter 216 measures the patient's oxygen saturationas being too high, less oxygen will be dispersed by the gas distributionsystem 206, which can either turn off or reduce flow through individualgas distribution ports, or less oxygen will be disbursed by reducingflow from an oxygen source such as a tank or oxygen concentrator.Conversely, if pulse oximeter 216 measures the patient's oxygensaturation as being too low, more oxygen can be disbursed by the samecontrol means.

Similarly, in other embodiments, if overall oxygen prevalence, asmeasured by oxygen sensor 220, is too high, less oxygen will bedispersed by the gas distribution system 206, which can either turn offor reduce flow through individual gas distribution ports, or less oxygenwill be disbursed by reducing flow from an oxygen source such as a tankor oxygen concentrator. Likewise, if overall oxygen prevalence asmeasured by oxygen sensor 220 is too low, oxygen prevalence can beincreased by the same control means.

In some embodiments, should carbon dioxide levels, as measured by carbondioxide sensor 218 become too high, an emergency flush may be made usingthe gas distribution system 206. Carbon dioxide sensor 218 may alsoforce alarm 232 to alert the patient, caregiver, or guardian through acontroller 229.

Some embodiments may further include a monitoring subsystem, not shown,whereby displays, signals, or system indications are sent to a separate,remote device. This may include a visual display of the patient andsystem, sound indications conveying status, or any combination thereof.As such, the monitoring subsystem may generally contain one or morecameras, and the remote device may contain an LCD display similar to LCDdisplay 228, and capabilities for sound including speakers and alarmmechanisms.

Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been describedherein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated,moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have beendescribed may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additionalembodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes,feature locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosedembodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized withoutexceeding the scope of the invention.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that theinvention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individualembodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are notmeant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the variousfeatures of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodimentsare not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, theinvention may comprise a combination of different individual featuresselected from different individual embodiments, as understood by personsof ordinary skill in the art.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it isexpressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraphof 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for”or “step for” are recited in a claim.

1. A respiratory treatment system comprising a gas distribution system;and at least one sensor, the at least one sensor capable of detectingthe orientation of a patient's face, wherein said gas distributionsystem is controlled in part or in whole by direct or indirect responseto input from said at least one sensor.
 2. The respiratory treatmentsystem of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a camera.3. The respiratory treatment system of claim 1, further comprising anoxygen sensor, wherein said gas distribution system is furthercontrolled by said oxygen sensor.
 4. The respiratory treatment system ofclaim 1, further comprising a blood oximeter, wherein said gasdistribution system is further controlled by said blood oximeter.
 5. Therespiratory treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a hoodcapable of at least partially confining gases around said patient. 6.The respiratory treatment system of claim 5, wherein said gasdistribution system comprises at least one gas delivery port, the atleast one gas delivery port mounted to said hood.
 7. A respiratorytreatment system comprising: a gas distribution system; and at least onesensor, wherein said gas distribution system modifies the orientation ofthe gas flow contiguous to a patient in direct or indirect response toinput from said sensor.
 8. The respiratory treatment system of claim 7further comprising a mechanism for creating at least one stream of gas,a mechanism for altering the direction of said at least one stream ofgas, wherein said at least one sensor detects at least the location ororientation of said patient's head, and wherein the orientation of saidgas flow contiguous to a patient is modified by altering the directionof at least one stream of gas towards said patient's head.
 9. Therespiratory treatment system of claim 7, wherein said gas distributionsystem comprises at least two groups of gas delivery ports with eachgroup of gas delivery ports comprising at least one gas delivery port,wherein the orientation of said gas flow contiguous to a patient ismodifiable by altering the volume of gas which flows through a firstgroup of gas delivery ports relative to the volume of gas which flowsthough a second group of gas delivery ports.
 10. The respiratorytreatment system of claim 7, wherein said at least one sensor detects atleast the position of said patient's head.
 11. The respiratory treatmentsystem of claim 7, wherein said at least one sensor detects at least theorientation of said patient's face.
 12. The respiratory treatment systemof claim 7, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a camera.
 13. Therespiratory treatment system of claim 7, further comprising a hoodcapable of at least partially confining gases around said patient. 14.The respiratory treatment system of claim 13, wherein said gasdistribution system comprises at least one gas delivery port, the atleast one gas delivery port mounted to said hood.
 15. A respiratorytreatment system comprising: a gas distribution system; and anextendable hood with at least one open plane which can be adjustedbetween a retracted and extended position, wherein said gas distributionsystem distributes gas into the at least partially enclosed space formedby said extendable hood.
 16. The respiratory treatment system of claim15, wherein said gas distribution system comprises at least one gasdelivery port, wherein at least one gas delivery port is mounted on saidextendable hood.
 17. The respiratory treatment system of claim 15,wherein said extendable hood comprises: a base member comprising a firstend and a second end; a top member comprising a first end and a secondend wherein said first end of said top member is hingeably connected tosaid first end of said base member, and said second end of said topmember is hingeably connected to said second end of said base member;and a flexible covering member comprising a first edge and a secondedge, wherein said first edge is operatively connected to said basemember, said second edge is operatively connected to said top member,and a position of said base member relative to a position of said topmember forms a partially enclosed space under the flexible coveringwherein the position of said top member is altered by movement about thehingeable connections with said base member.
 18. The respiratorytreatment system of claim 17, wherein said gas distribution systemfurther comprises at least one gas delivery port, wherein the at leastone gas delivery port is mounted to said top member.
 19. The respiratorytreatment system of claim 17, further comprising at least one sensormounted to said top member.
 20. The respiratory treatment system ofclaim 17, further comprising a sensor capable of determining theposition of the head or the facial orientation of a patient, whereinsaid gas distribution system is controlled based on direct or indirectinput from said sensor.
 21. A method of respiratory treatmentcomprising: providing at least one sensor; using the at least one sensorto determine the position of a patient's head; and providing a gasdistribution system wherein a flow of oxygen or other treatment gas isdirected in the direction of said patient's head based, at least inpart, on input from the at least one sensor.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein determining the position of the patient's head comprisesdetecting the position of the patient's face.
 23. The method of claim21, wherein determining the position of the patient's head comprisesdetecting the position of the patient's face using a camera.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein directing the flow of oxygen or othertreatment gas towards a patient's head comprises selectively alteringthe flow of gas in each of a plurality of gas distribution ports.